Missing out on a golden opportunity

It has been a indifferent start to the season for Kone, which many believe stems down the transfer drama during the summer. It looked set for the 27-year-old to move to Merseyside with Everton, but the Black Cats rejected any offer from the Toffees and Kone admitted his disappointment at the deal falling through.

“I am not holding a grudge. At the time, to tell you the truth I was disappointed because it was a very good opportunity for me," Kone told Foot Mercato. “Everton, they are not a small club. There were other clubs interested too. But it was not concrete like Everton."

He continued, “It was a very good opportunity for me. A golden opportunity. They are playing for the top positions. They could be in Europe.“So it was an interesting challenge for me."

Kone concluded, "At the time, I was disappointed.Despite all of that, today I have dealt with it. It is forgotten. Now, I will continue to attempt to put in good performances.”

Sunderland AFC will take on Stoke City at the Bet365 Stadium on Saturday, October 15 with kick-off at 3pm BST.